Coming backAs I sit here at my laptop, I think ... "How am I going to do this?" Where do I start? What am I going to talk about? HOW am I going to even begin writing about the journey that I have been on?
Countless times have I started typing and set aside a few words, a paragraph or two, or even a whole page. Though, I never did post. I didn't think I was ready. Thoughts, feelings, insights, etc... entries in my email or journal, in personal texts, on scraps of paper, or swimming in my mind. And I am finally deciding to bring it all together. To share my burdens, my joys, my strengths and weaknesses, my insights, ... my life; this blog is no longer just about food. And if there's an ear out there, I am blessed. And perhaps I can bring truth to your world, as God has brought it to mine. Truth. About our purpose here. Truth. About my struggles. Truth. About my joys. Truth. About health. Truth. About our world. There are so many lies we were born or taught into believing and their manifestations are far beyond UgLy. But when we learn the Truth, we can make the changes we need to be better for our Lord and Savior. The changes that perfect us and make us new. I am becoming new. It is no easy journey and I am certainly not through, but I will no longer let the waiting period dictate the postponement of sharing my story. And so let it begin. This is my story... |
"Food is an infinitely rich subject, and there's always something about it to understand better, something new to discover, a fresh source of interest, ideas, and delight." |
As I sit here eating my apples and cinnamon oatmeal, I think “countless times have I so desired to just sit down and write! Write about the foods that I have been preparing, the zillions of diets that I have been trying, and the digestive issues that I have been suffering through the past two months.” And so now, here I am. FINALLY able to do so. (And thank God, because otherwise I’d burst).
We all have issues, really. Those relating to the stomach, the heart, kidneys, brain (I mean I’m a little crazy myself…), etc. Mine? My nose and my GI Tract. I won’t lie; I’ve been suffering. Not all the time, of course. Some days are amazing, others are horrible, and some are just days. I’ve been across the spectrum in my symptoms (bloated, inflamed, constipated, runs, nausea, and it just goes on). I’ve been on diets from gluten-free to smoothie-filled to ‘the heck with it all’ and I get all sorts of reactions or none whatsoever. Most of you know how great my fascination is when food is the topic of conversation … “You’re going out for dinner? Where are you going? What did you get? Was it good? What did you make for lunch? What are the ingredients?” … I love to talk about food, learn about it, cook it, and eat it! So, when my entire GI Tract turns against me, my mind wanders into all different crevices of thought. My first step was going gluten free. This wasn’t the hardest, but certainly not effortless either. Omit several baked goods, replace glutinous flour and pasta with gluten-free, purchase grain alternatives (rice, quinoa, corn tortillas), buy more produce, yada-yada-yada. It really does help to lower your starch intake and helps you feel healthier as well as less weighed down. I’m not sure if this was due to less gluten, less starch, more nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, or a ‘happy’ GI tract, but a few times I’ve felt AMAZING. What does amazing feel like? Imagine all of the pathways through which your endorphins flow are open. You’re extra happy and loving. Your energy levels are through the roof, that you actually think something is wrong and that maybe your body is producing too much of a good thing (dopamine and serotonin?). Your mind is out of a mental fog and you can actually articulate what you want to think. And so much more. I’m not saying to go gluten-free; I’m just saying that I’ve gone through a series of episodes and that this is one of them. But don’t be confused. As I said before, there have been horrible days. In addition to attempting gluten-free, I’ve also amped up my nutrient consumption via replacing meals with smoothies. Typically these won’t hold me over for too long, but when you’re not going to the bathroom and nothing is working, it’s a non-issue. These were more nutrient-dense, cleansing smoothies and between these and a few doses from a natural 30 day, 7 organ cleanse, my body was somewhat functional. But then I made a few more potent smoothies and now I think the acid in my stomach has been aggravated. So I’ve tossed the idea of a gluten-free diet out the window (for at least a few days) and am now sticking to rather plain meals (homemade oatmeal). I threw all sorts of ingredients into those smoothies too… kale, bok choy, romaine, cooked cranberries, beets, carrots, bananas, apples, cucumber, prunes, dates, yogurt, OJ, cow’s milk, almond milk, aloe, chia seeds, whole cocoa beans, cooked and uncooked oats, salt, cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg, ginger, etc… Not all of these were in together, but something set me off. Was it the ground up cocoa beans? Perhaps the raw beets (I’ve heard these are potent in many ways)? Something else? I have absolutely no idea. But now I’m in the stage of stomach-inflammation. Yay! At some point of suffering through an illness or disease, you come to the point of acceptance, endurance, and perseverance. Also, you can bring your mind back to where it should be for a somewhat normal functioning day. Sure I’ve had great moments, but I’ve also had horrible breakdowns. But knowing that I have a God, husband, family, and friends who all love and encourage me keeps me going. I have a passion for life and a passion for food. Even if I can’t enjoy something does not mean that I cannot enjoy preparing it to serve to others. I find joy in many things that I do. I’ve been on a rollercoaster and I’ve no idea where I get off, but I’ve learned so much about suffering, thankfulness, myself, and others, that I would not take it back. God has been so good and He always will be. This post will be followed by many explaining what Travis and I did or ate on our honeymoon, what meals I have been whipping up, and then whatever else I decide to throw in. Pictures are promised as well.
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February 2017
"Food is an infinitely rich subject, and there's always something about it to understand better, something new to discover, a fresh source of interest, ideas, and delight."
From Pennsylvania to France to Washington DC to Florida, I've had myself many an adventure. Now it's time to indulge in the life of a Floridian. With great food, great friends, and great experiences, I offer you stories and pictures to take you away, into my world at Disney. Categories |